RIM wriggles out of a $147m damage award

BLACKEBERRY MAKER Research in Motion (RIM) has managed to wriggle out of paying a $142.7m damage award, after a judge changed his mind in Mformation's patent lawsuit against the firm.

In July a US judge ordered RIM to pay $142.7m to software firm Mformation after a jury found that the Blackberry Maker infringed the company's patents with its Blackberry Enterprise Server.

However, RIM announced today that it's managed to keep a few pennies in the bank, as the ruling has now been overturned. According to the company, the judge concluded that the evidence did not support the jury's finding of patent infringement.

Mformation can appeal today's ruling, which if successful would mean the jury's verdict would not be reinstated and a new trial would be held.

Steve Zipperstein, RIM's chief legal officer said, "We appreciate the Judge's careful consideration of this case. RIM did not infringe on Mformation's patent and we are pleased with this victory.

"The purpose of the patent system is to encourage innovation, but the system is still too often exploited in pursuit of other goals. Many policy makers have already recognized the need to address this problem and we call on others to join them as this case clearly highlights the significant need for continuing policy reform to help reduce the amount of resources wasted on unwarranted patent litigation."

RIM must be breathing a sign of relief following this ruling, as it's already skint. µ